A naive otome protagonist

[Violetta19]

Does it irritate you when the main character (protagonist) acts too naive or passive?

 

[koten]

I definitely prefer when the MC has a strong personality over a naive/passive one. I find when they're too passive the dialogue and choices between the MC and LI isn't as interesting to me.

 

[Pizizi]

Absolutely. A character being naive or innocent is fine, the problem is that they exaggerate A LOT! Who in their right mind believes the words of guys you've never met, who conveniently know everything about you, and you don't question anything?

Or worse, the person betrays you fifty times and you still believe in their "kind heart" because you saw them petting a cat and because they didn't kick an old lady?! (๑•̀ᗝ•́)૭

A MC with a strong personality is good, but again, when they exaggerate it's terrible. Strong personality ≠ Being a jerk for no reason. But compared to a naive and innocent MC, it's better to have a strong personality.

The secret is to have a good balance in personalities. (..◜ᴗ◝..)

 

[藍色水珠]

I think it depends on the female protagonist's background, experiences, and worldview. Not everyone is born smart, brave, and independent; minor flaws are more acceptable.

Unless she has absolutely no desire to change and only wants to depend on the male protagonist for survival, refusing to make any effort.

For example, in <<Under the Moon>>(月下綺譚), the female protagonist can only rely on the male protagonist, begging them to become demon kings and return to the demon realm together, only able to repay him with her body or become his servant.

 

[BiscuitB]

Does it irritate you when the main character (protagonist) acts too naive or passive?

Yes mostly, I don't mind when people have to take a passive role in a certain situation. However, when it's their whole personality I greatly dislike it.

 

[dreamilyshoujo]

It all depends on the scene, but if that's her personality, I'm okay with it. I'm tired of the argument of "every MC should have a strong personality". All MCs are precious and each one is unique by itself. I can't stop myself of thinking that's all about sexism when I see people complaining about how naive/passive/pure a MC is.

 

[eoeoao]

I think all kinds of protagonists can work, but personally, I really like protagonists with strong and distinctive personalities. I enjoy it when the MC feels like a character in their own right, with their own thoughts, opinions, and way of seeing the world. They don't necessarily have to be strong or outspoken. I enjoy seeing how the MC interacts with the LIs, so when the MC mostly just reacts to what the LI says and does without showing much of their own personality or opinions, I can find it a little disappointing.

 

[caducus]

I think that's intentional a lot of times, making the MC an empty book - the devs want you to be able to project onto the character, fill in those pages with parts of yourself, so they don't write strong personality traits that might take away from that.

I don't insert myself into games, so I much prefer a character who is driven by their background and experiences. They don't necessarily have to be strong - if you have a character who grew up in a sheltered or protected environment, it makes sense for them to be naive. But I still want them to have a personality. I want them to learn and grow from their experiences in game.

I also like when the LIs find something in the MC that is ACTUALLY UNIQUE to the MC that they like or find attractive. Maybe because they're more intelligent or clever than expected, or because they stand up for themselves and what they believe. I dunno. I just want there to be actual reasons or events that happen that make them fall - not just because the the MC is covered in LI-plot-phermones.

 

[shuubaruotaku]

i prefer the mc being strong, i dont mind passive but it gets to a point where it doesn't even feel realistic anymore

 

[orionsbestie]

As long as it's either funny or makes sense with the rest of the context it's okay. Sometimes though it's like the writers lowkey don't know how to make the avatar's personality likeable enough for the player to embody *or* for the male characters to love it if not for her perfect pure heart.

 

[sweetymana]

Usually, I feel like main character personality changed based on the choices we make. Sometime, the main character is too kind and forgive in some ways. I feel like that's the personality match with male leads so I cannot command about it. Its the author choices to make the story interesting. Either way, I feel a little bit confused about the main character reactions. There is one main character who I fall in love with which is from Cupid Paradise. I can never hate her. She is best in every routes, she believes in herself so much and true to herself. Even when other male leads are making mistakes, she straights them fix it or guide them to trust themselves instead of codependent relationship.

 

[Yuuu701]

I don't really like naive/passive mc, feels like the mc is just there to be dragged around by the plot. Reminds of Diabolik Lovers Yui, I just don't understand how anyone in her situation wouldn't at least try to do something about it. Like how does she still have blood left. Please run or bite back!

 

[nerim-w]

Naive, sure. Passive, absolutely tf not!! I hate MCs who do absolutely nothing and just meander around, clinging to the LIs who are the ones actually doing something useful... its so frustrating like I want to shake them so bad plz, it also lowkey irritates me as a self inserter bc I AM NOT THIS DUMB I SWEAR